Jordan Henderson says Liverpool indebted to player they ‘take for granted’ for vital three points

The Reds skipper praised goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the Brazilian delivered a “massive performance” at Selhurt Park.
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Liverpool cut the gap between themselves and Manchester City to nine points with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

First half goals from Virgin Van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain placed Jurgen Klopp’s men into a comfortable lead at the break after two crosses from left-back Andy Robertson.

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The home side halved the deficit in the second half through Odsonne Edouard’s sixth goal of the season before Alisson Becker was forced into several saves to maintain the Reds’ lead.

Fabinho converted from the penalty spot late on to secure the three points after a controversial penalty decision was granted by Kevin Friend.

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta fails to score past Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty ImagesCrystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta fails to score past Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta fails to score past Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

Captain’s praise for Alisson

Jordan Henderson credited the three points to Alisson for the Brazilian’s string of saves at Selhurst Park.

The midfielder told Liverpool’s official website: “He was [outstanding], but he’s always like that, to be honest!

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“You do take him for granted a little bit. With the saves that he makes, he makes them look so easy, but there was a couple of big moments in the second half that he sort of dug us out and kept us in the game.

“So, a massive performance from him and ultimately he gets us the three points.”

Liverpool ‘took foot off the pedal’

However, the 31-year-old expressed his disappointment at letting Palace back into the game with Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta missing big chances in the closing stages of the first half.

Patrick Viera’s men created enough chances to rescue a point against the Reds, despite missing their talisman Wilfried Zaha.

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Liverpool have now won three games on the spin after sealing a place at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 win at Arsenal on Thursday, despite missing their AFCON trio Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita.

Henderson said: “Very pleased overall with the win. The first 35 minutes I thought we controlled the game, played some great stuff, some great football, two good goals and then took our foot off the pedal a little bit in the last 10 minutes of the first half, which we were disappointed with going in at half-time.

“Then in the second half it was tough, especially when they got the goal and their crowd got up, it can be difficult. But I thought the lads dug in really well, we got the penalty near the end to secure the win and overall it was a pleasing night to get the three points.”

Chance to recharge

Liverpool now don’t play until they host Championship side Cardiff City in the FA Cup on 6 February and they could welcome back their players away as the final of the AFCON tournament is on the same day.

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But after picking up four wins since the 1-0 defeat to Leicester City, the Reds’ will have to wait to continue their good form as they battle to catch Pep Guardiola’s men up.

On the two-week break, Henderson said: “We’ve had a big week, three big wins and three good performances so it would have been nice to carry it on I suppose with the rhythm that we’ve got.

“But it’s an opportunity to recharge after a hectic couple of months, to sort of recharge the batteries, come back and hopefully be in good shape to then finish the remaining part of the season off and hopefully we can finish strong.”